MANSFIELD, MA – April 20, 2026 – Chex Finer Foods (“Chex”), a third generation, family-led specialty food distributor, backed by Paine Schwartz Partners, announced today that it has acquired Gourmet International (“GI”), a leading specialty and imported foods distributor with a strong presence in the Midwest. The acquisition marks Chex's first transaction under its partnership with Paine Schwartz Partners and reflects the company's broader strategy to build a differentiated specialty food distribution platform through disciplined, values-aligned growth.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Chex has built a value-added specialty and natural food distribution platform grounded in building long term customer and supplier relationships, delivering high touch service, and offering a curated assortment of core and differentiated products. Founded in 1989 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gourmet International has built a similarly respected import and distribution business rooted in specialty expertise, with deep exclusive European brand partnerships and a service-first operating model.
This combination brings together two multi-generation, family-run businesses with closely aligned cultures and values. Both organizations share a longstanding belief in earning trust through exceptional service, investing for the long term, and proving their value every day to customers and suppliers.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Gourmet International will continue to operate as an independent business under its existing name and leadership. Chex will support Gourmet International’s core platform, focusing on its growth while preserving the relationships, brand identity, and operating approach that define the business.
The acquisition strengthens Chex’s specialty import and exclusive brand capabilities and establishes a Midwest operational hub to support future geographic expansion. At the same time, the partnership enhances Gourmet International’s ability to reach a broader customer base, access expanded infrastructure and scale its offerings over time – all while maintaining continuity for customers, suppliers, and employees.
“This is a partnership built on shared values and mutual respect, with cultural alignment serving as a key driver of the transaction,” said Jeremy Isenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chex Finer Foods. “Gourmet International has built a truly special business grounded in relationships, integrity, and service. Those values closely mirror how Chex has been built over generations. We are excited to invest behind that foundation, support the GI team, and create new opportunities together – without disrupting what makes Gourmet International special.”
“Joining forces with Chex gives us something rare – a partner who understands this business because they've built one just like it. Our customers, vendors, and team will feel no disruption, and over time this partnership gives us access to resources and capabilities that will help us do even more of what we do best. We're proud of what Gourmet International has built, and we're excited about what comes next,” said Michael Nitzsche, President, Gourmet International.
“When we invested in Chex in June 2025 as part of our food distribution thesis, we were excited by the strength of the platform Jeremy and his team had built and the clear opportunity to scale it through a disciplined M&A strategy,” said Angelos Dassios, Chief Investment Officer, Paine Schwartz Partners. “The acquisition of Gourmet International less than a year later is an exciting milestone, expanding Chex’s capabilities and geographic reach, and we look forward to supporting the team as they continue to grow.”
Michael Nitzsche, Monica Rea, and the Gourmet International leadership team will support a thoughtful transition, with day-to-day operations continuing under the existing Gourmet International organization. Both companies are committed to protecting customer and supplier continuity and approaching integration deliberately and collaboratively.
The acquisition represents an important milestone in Chex’s long-term strategy to build a differentiated specialty food distribution platform, deepen its import capabilities, and responsibly expand into strategic geographic markets. Chex is actively evaluating additional opportunities consistent with this strategy.
About Chex Finer Foods
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Chex Finer Foods is a third generation, family-led specialty food distributor. Chex partners with independent grocery retailers, co-ops, natural food stores, and regional and national chains, providing a curated assortment of specialty and natural products supported by industry leading service. Beyond core distribution, Chex serves as a strategic partner for retailers and suppliers, offering merchandising support, customized programs, and deep market insight to help partners grow and win in a dynamic retail environment. For more information, visit www.chexfoods.com.
About Gourmet International
Gourmet International, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a specialty and imported foods distributor known for its deep category expertise, exclusive European brand relationships, and commitment to exceptional service. The company has built a strong reputation helping customers differentiate through high quality, globally inspired products and a relationship-driven approach to the market. For more information, visit https://gourmetint.com/.
About Paine Schwartz Partners
Paine Schwartz Partners is the largest private equity firm dedicated to sustainable food chain investing, with ~$6.5 billion of AUM and over 20 years of experience. The firm invests across specific segments of the food and agribusiness value chain, with a focus on two core investment themes: productivity and sustainability and health and wellness. Through its proactive, thesis-driven approach, the firm targets value-added and differentiated companies and makes primarily control buyout investments, with a smaller allocation to growth companies. For further information, visit www.paineschwartz.com.